The former surgeon general from the first Trump administration has called on President Trump to “absolutely” dismiss Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his controversial policies on vaccines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Jerome Adams, who served as surgeon general from 2017 to 2021, criticized Kennedy’s approach, stating it poses a significant risk to public health.
Speaking in an interview with CNN, Adams expressed his concerns about Kennedy’s policies, particularly those limiting access to vaccines, including the Covid-19 vaccine. “He’s putting us at risk,” Adams remarked, emphasizing that Kennedy’s actions are “endangering America at large.”
Controversy Surrounding Vaccine Policies
The call for Kennedy’s removal comes after a contentious Senate committee hearing where Democrats accused him of ignoring scientific evidence and displaying a “reckless disregard for science and the truth.” Despite some muted criticism from a few Republicans, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Kennedy has maintained his stance, dismissing the accusations as unfounded.
Adams, alongside former surgeons general Joycelyn Elders and Richard Carmona, co-authored an opinion piece in USA Today, warning that Kennedy’s actions threaten the CDC’s integrity and the health of millions. The piece highlighted the chaos within the CDC following the firing of its director, Susan Monarez, and the replacement of its advisory committee members with individuals holding anti-vaccine views.
The Impact on Public Health Institutions
Adams voiced his concern over the erosion of trust in the CDC under Kennedy’s leadership, noting that organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association have lost confidence in the institution. He warned that Kennedy’s policies could effectively dismantle the CDC, putting countless lives at risk.
During his tenure as surgeon general, Adams occasionally clashed with Trump, particularly over public health measures such as mask mandates during the pandemic. He now warns that Kennedy’s vaccine restrictions disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and Native American communities, who suffered higher mortality rates during the pandemic.
Calls for Resignation and Broader Implications
The controversy has prompted calls for Kennedy’s resignation from various quarters, including his nephew, former Massachusetts Representative Joe Kennedy III, and his sibling, Kerry Kennedy. Both have publicly criticized his leadership, describing it as a threat to public health and the integrity of critical institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the CDC.
The ongoing debate highlights the broader implications of Kennedy’s policies on public health infrastructure and the nation’s ability to respond to future health crises. As the situation unfolds, the pressure mounts on President Trump to take decisive action regarding his health secretary’s controversial stance.
The developments underscore the critical role of science-driven policy in safeguarding public health and the potential consequences of deviating from established scientific consensus. As the nation grapples with these issues, the future of its public health institutions hangs in the balance.
